MINI Cooper SE Breaks Cover With 181 HP Electric Motor, Up To 167 Miles Of Range

MINI has just launched its first-ever fully electric, zero emissions model in the Cooper SE, a car that features a 135 kW (184 PS / 181 HP) motor, front wheel drive and a lithium-ion battery that offers a range of 235 to 270 km (146 to 167 miles).

Since the battery is positioned deep within the vehicle floor, the car comes with no limitations in terms of luggage space, remaining just as practical as any regular MINI 3-door model.

Distinctive styling

The MINI Cooper SE is of course, instantly recognizable as a MINI 3-door. However, there are also precisely applied accents that indicate its emissions-free drive system. So aside from the charger port (located above the right-hand rear wheel), there’s also an embossed MINI Electric logo, while yellow versions of this signet can be found on the lateral turn indicator inserts, as well as on the tailgate and front grille, which features a hexagonal contour.

Further styling features include the yellow decorative bar on the front fascia, more yellow on the exterior mirror caps, standard LED headlights and optional 17-inch alloy wheels with an asymmetrical design.

Pure driving fun

According to the British automaker, the MINI Cooper SE is quite fun to drive thanks to its 135 kW (184 PS / 181 HP) electric motor, which also provides you with 270 Nm (200 lb-ft) of instant torque. Power is sent exclusively to the front wheels through a transmission with a single-stage configuration and an integrated differential. In a straight line, the all-electric MINI can accelerate to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 7.3 seconds and max out at 150 km/h (93 mph).

It also features a distinctive sound generated via a speaker system, guaranteeing “an acoustic presence on the road that is typical of MINI”.

The 32.6 kWh battery can be charged to 80% of its full capacity in two and a half hours using either its standard charging cable or the three-phase cable (for public charging stations). In order to get it up to 100%, you’ll need to wait three and a half hours. However, if you use a DC fast-charging station, you can achieve that 80% charge in just 35 minutes.

Also read: 2020 MINI Lineup Arrives With Minor Updates, Higher Prices

As for what it’s like on the road, the driver can select between four different modes (Sport, MID, Green and Green+). In Sport mode, the steering is more direct and the drive system responds more spontaneously. Both MID and Green modes feature comfort-oriented steering characteristics, whereas Green+ is geared towards maximum efficiency.

Also worth noting is the fact that the new MINI Cooper SE is the first-ever electrically-powered BMW Group product in which the driver can influence the degree of recuperation efficiency via a toggle switch. You can choose between intense or only low-level recuperation with the relevant deceleration impact.

Modern interior with plenty of tech

Inside the MINI Cooper SE you get Double Stripe Carbon Black fabric seats as standard (Trim S), with a fabric/leather combo also available if you opt for Trim M or Trim L packages. Meanwhile, the MINI Yours Lounge Carbon Black leather seats are included in the Trim XL package. Further color customization options are also available, both inside and out.

In terms of tech, there’s satellite navigation as standard (6.5-inch touchscreen), Remote Services, Apple CarPlay, the eDrive screen central instrument display, 2-zone automatic air conditioning with heat pump technology and auxiliary heating, an electric parking brake and an optional 8.8-inch Connected Navigation Plus touchscreen with Telephony and Wireless Charging.